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Date
22 August 2025
Link
inclusive.tki.org.nz/guides/down-syndrome-and-learning/support-thinking-using-recommended-approaches

Support thinking using recommended approaches

Suggestion for implementing the strategy ‘Key areas where students may need support’

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Support recall with visuals

Support recall with visuals

Processing and recall of spoken information is improved when it is supported by relevant visual material, especially when it is of high interest to the student.
Screenshot 2025 07 17 144403

Source: Mindomo (opens in a new tab/window)

Source:
Mindomo
https://www.mindomo.com/

View full image (30 KB) (opens in a new tab/window)

Support processing

Support processing

Use visuals, repetition and positive reinforcement when presenting content.
  • Offer frequent opportunities for students to move into pairs or groups to discuss their thinking.
  • Use photo boards and posters as tools to support students’ recall and retrieval skills.
  • Give lots of positive reinforcement when introducing new information or instructions.
  • Slow down. Allow time to process information and to formulate responses.

Utilise mind mapping tools

Utilise mind mapping tools

Introduce students to a range of mind mapping tools, such as Popplet.

Model how they can be used across all learning areas to support thinking and planning.

5280 [Popplet-mindmap.PNG]

Source: Catriona Pene, CORE Education (opens in a new tab/window)

Source:
Catriona Pene, CORE Education
https://core-ed.org/about-core/our-people/catriona-pene

View full image (83 KB) (opens in a new tab/window)

Useful resources

Useful resources

Website

Time Timer (visual timer for visual people!)

For many students being able to see a visual representation of time passing can really support their time management. This video explains how time timer works.

Publisher: Time Timer

Visit website

Website

Popplet

Popplet is a tool for the iPad and web to capture and organise ideas.

Publisher: Popplet

Visit website

Next steps

More suggestions for implementing the strategy “Key areas to support”:

Return to the guide “Down syndrome and learning”

11436 [Down-Syndrome.jpg]

Down syndrome and learning

How to use this site

Guide to Index of the guide: Down syndrome and learning

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